As the regular college football season comes to a close, most fans turn their attention to the college football playoffs. This past month the college football playoffs have been in progress with thrilling wins and heartbreaking losses, marking the end of the season for multiple teams.
The playoffs consist of a 12-team bracket that features the five highest ranked conference champions and seven other teams who are ranked and had successful seasons. It advances through first-round games, to quarter-finals, to semi-finals, and finally to the national championship where a brand new national champion will be crowned.
Since the 12-team playoff is only a second year addition to college football, there has been some controversy over what teams are being selected to play, but after talking to Mounties they shared their love for the new system. ”I really like college football, I think it is really fun and engaging to watch, and I am really excited that they added more teams to the playoffs so that more teams get the opportunity to play,” Madi Mcerlean ‘26 said.
From the 2025 to 2026 college football season we are seeing The University of Indiana, a fresh face to the playoffs, and the University of Miami, a veteran and perennial participant, facing off on Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
The University of Indiana has historically been a team that has not been categorized as a “national powerhouse”. While they have had mostly mediocre, and some fulfilling seasons, they have never made it to the point where they are at now, positioned to win the national championship.
Indiana is poised to easily win the championship, as long as they play the way they have been playing the past few months.
“I think that Indiana is going to beat Miami soundly.” Learning Specialist Mr. Colin Dougherty said.
The University of Indiana currently is the favored team to come out victorious, with their number one seed, Heisman winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and an all around successful and driven team of players. Not to mention, their coach, Curt Cignetti, who has been leading the way the whole season.
If Indiana can continue with their victorious ways, we might even see Coach Cignetti crack a smile holding up the college football national championship trophy.
On the other side we have the University of Miami, who has been a mainstay at the highest level of college football over the years. While they may be the underdog this year, they have won five national championships in program history, making their program extremely successful.
The University of Miami’s current quarterback Carson Beck, is a sixth year senior at Miami who had previously played for the Georgia Bulldogs. Even though Miami had just barely made it to the playoffs this season, they seem like they have confidence in the way they are playing to put up a fight for the national title.
Mounties have also expressed excitement about Miami, hoping the Hurricanes will be able to take down the number one seed on Monday night.
“I think Miami is going to win because it’s all about the U, I am so excited!” Molly Robert ‘27 said.
After falling short last year to making a run for the playoffs, Miami looks to be playing with a chip on their shoulder proving to the world that Miami football is legit. They have looked nothing but spectacular during their past three playoff games, and if they continue this trend they could easily take home the national title back to Miami.
Considering these are both elite teams with undeniable talent, this game is going to come down to who wants it more. Both teams have great energy going for them, and extreme skill. You should expect an exciting game, with lots of flair, grit, and energy.
Make sure to tune in and watch the college football national championship for some electrifying and grueling football.
